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What We Do

Forests and Landscapes in Indonesia

Data-driven analysis to support government and civil society actions for effective and equitable land-use in Indonesia.

This project includes work formerly known as Project POTICO.

Indonesia is the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, mainly due to the conversion of its forests and carbon-rich peatlands. These shifts in land use have ecological and social consequences, as Indonesia’s forests are home to thousands of plant and animal species, and 50-60 million Indonesians depend directly on the forests for their livelihoods.

Recognizing the domestic and international importance of its tropical landscape and the people in it, the Indonesian government has made encouraging decisions; it has voluntarily committed to a minimum 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and developed a strategy for land use and forestry emissions, extended a moratorium on new clearing of primary forests and peat lands from 2 to 4 years (2013-2015), and increasingly recognized the rights of forest communities and indigenous peoples. Indonesia must balance these environmental and social goals with a rapidly growing economy based on natural resources and corporate interests.

The Forests and Landscapes in Indonesia team works with all stakeholders in Indonesia’s forests to support decisions and management that is profitable and sustainable. Our work includes:

Agriculture and plantations are crucial contributors to Indonesia’s economy, representing nearly 17% of its GDP in 2011. However, this sector is also the largest contributor of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, notably through forest clearing and peat land drainage for agricultural activities. In 2009, Indonesia pledged to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it aims to double production of key commodities, such as palm oil, by 2020 and to increase its GDP by 7% annually. These goals can be achieved simultaneously through innovative approaches such as prioritizing forest-free lands for agricultural development.

Working in Indonesia since 2000, WRI has developed a practical and cost-effective method for identifying potentially suitable sites that would support Indonesia’s dual goals of profitability and sustainability. This method, which includes desktop and field analysis, can help unlock the potential of degraded land for sustainable commodity production in Indonesia.

Explore our Suitability Mapper, a free and easy to use interactive tool to identify suitable sites for agricultural expansion.